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2022 marks milestone year in App State’s 123-year history

By Brian Miller
Posted Dec. 19, 2022 at 12:40 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — As 2022 comes to its close, the App State Community can reflect on a year of progress and accomplishment, with many milestones to look forward to in the years to come.

In March, Chancellor Sheri Everts, joined by state leaders, ceremoniously broke ground on the Innovation District project, which has been included in App State’s master planning since 2016. Construction of the campus expansion is expected to start next summer, with an end goal to extend App State’s mission of teaching, research and service while also broadening economic development opportunities across the region.

Throughout the year, App State continued advancements toward climate neutrality and contributed to climate research, both locally and internationally. On campus, the university boosted its percentage of electricity supplied from renewables from 2% to 18% through hydroelectric and solar power purchases. On Mount Everest, an App State professor co-led a successful expedition to coordinate the maintenance of weather stations located near the top of the mountain.

App State had its best fundraising year in more than a decade, raising more than $36 million, including $31 million in cash gifts — the largest cash fundraising year in university history.

And the Mountaineer football team pulled off a monumental upset win over Texas A&M, prompting a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay, which broadcasted live from App State’s campus for millions of television viewers.

Read on to revisit news stories that capture some of App State’s milestone moments in 2022.

App State named among nation’s ‘Best,’ ‘Most Innovative’ colleges for 2022–23
App State named among nation’s ‘Best,’ ‘Most Innovative’ colleges for 2022–23

U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes magazine and Money.com all agree — App State is an educational leader for the U.S. and Southeast

Sep. 15, 2022

U.S. News & World, The Princeton Review, Forbes magazine and Money.com all agree — App State is one of the best higher education institutions in the country, and the Southeast, for 2022–23. App State was recognized for its academics, innovation, benefits for student veterans and other aspects.

Read the story
App State to offer online veterinary technology degree beginning in August
App State to offer online veterinary technology degree beginning in August

Dr. Virginia Corrigan appointed as director of new 4-year program

Jan. 21, 2022

App State’s new Bachelor of Science in veterinary technology will prepare students for meaningful employment in the growing veterinary medical profession and lead to career advancement opportunities for those already working in the field.

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App State breaks ground on Innovation District project — ‘the potential is limitless’
App State breaks ground on Innovation District project — ‘the potential is limitless’

Phase 1 development includes the Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research, as well as faculty/staff housing.

March 25, 2022

On March 25, App State ceremoniously broke ground on a long-held goal and a valuable piece of its future — the Innovation District project. Phase one of development includes the Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research, as well as housing for App State faculty and staff.

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A return to Everest: App State’s Dr. Baker Perry leads climate science expedition to the world’s highest mountain
A return to Everest: App State’s Dr. Baker Perry leads climate science expedition to the world’s highest mountain
June 7, 2022

Dr. Baker Perry, National Geographic Explorer and professor in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, led a successful return expedition to Mount Everest, coordinating the maintenance of weather stations at the top of the world.

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App State honors 4 Alumni Awards recipients during 2022 Alumni Weekend
App State honors 4 Alumni Awards recipients during 2022 Alumni Weekend

These awards recognize graduates for their professional, service and philanthropic accomplishments

Sep. 1, 2022

App State’s Alumni Association honored four graduates with 2022 Alumni Awards — recognizing Mark Ricks ’89, June Wilson Hege ’65, John Thomas Roos ’84 and Douglas Middleton Jr. ’15 ’18 for their professional, service and philanthropic accomplishments.

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App State Takes Down No. 6 Texas A&M
App State Takes Down No. 6 Texas A&M
App State Athletics
Sep. 10, 2022

Howdy from College Station, where App State has once again seized the national spotlight. With its latest signature win, there's reason to celebrate all the way back to the High Country. And guess what? ESPN's College GameDay is joining the party. App State scored touchdowns after both turnovers forced by its defense, Michael Hughes kicked a tiebreaking field goal with 8:05 left and the Mountaineers finished strong to complete a 17-14 win against No. 6 Texas A&M in front of 92,664 fans at Kyle Field on a steamy Saturday afternoon in Texas.

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ESPN’s College GameDay visits App State
ESPN’s College GameDay visits App State

3 students win ‘free ride’ for a year with College GameDay posters

Sep. 19, 2022

ESPN’s premier college football pregame show — College GameDay — broadcasted live from App State’s campus on Sept. 17. Mountaineer football fans celebrated the occasion with several days worth of fan-fueled events.

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App State Police officers recognized for valor, lifesaving acts
App State Police officers recognized for valor, lifesaving acts
Nov. 29, 2022

Three App State Police officers recently received awards of distinction for outstanding service, valor and lifesaving efforts from the App State Police Department and the University of North Carolina System.

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A bright finish for Team Sunergy: App State solar vehicle team takes 2nd place in 2022 American Solar Challenge
A bright finish for Team Sunergy: App State solar vehicle team takes 2nd place in 2022 American Solar Challenge

The team also earned the competition’s Electrical Design Award

Aug. 5, 2022

App State’s student-run solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, secured a second-place finish in the multi-occupant vehicle category of the 2022 American Solar Challenge. The team completed 1,549 miles over the eight-day road race and took home the competition’s Electrical Design Award for the second consecutive year.

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App State named nation’s leader for certified teachers for 6th consecutive year
App State named nation’s leader for certified teachers for 6th consecutive year
Feb. 21, 2022

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has ranked App State No. 1 in its “Top 50 Alma Maters by Total Number of NBCTs” list for the sixth consecutive year. App State leads the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers — 2,211.

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16 recruits graduate from Appalachian Police Academy’s 5th class
16 recruits graduate from Appalachian Police Academy’s 5th class

The graduates were sworn in and are already serving on App State’s campus

Oct. 20, 2022

Graduates of App State’s Appalachian Police Academy — a component of the Appalachian Police Officer Development Program — enter the criminal justice job market with a college degree, North Carolina law enforcement certification and a minimum of two years of policing experience.

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App State opens Academy at Elkin, its second lab school
App State opens Academy at Elkin, its second lab school
Sep. 2, 2022

Elected officials and local dignitaries joined App State and Elkin City Schools educators and staff on Aug. 23 to celebrate the opening of App State’s second laboratory school — one of nine operating as part of the University of North Carolina System Laboratory School initiative.

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Renewables to make up 18% of App State’s purchased electricity in 2022
Renewables to make up 18% of App State’s purchased electricity in 2022
Jan. 14, 2022

Under a new power provider, App State’s percentage of electricity supplied from renewables will increase from 2% to 18% in early 2022 due to purchases of hydroelectric and solar power.

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App State earns Gold distinction as Military Friendly School for 2022–23
App State earns Gold distinction as Military Friendly School for 2022–23

University announces new emergency scholarship for student veterans

April 7, 2022

For more than a decade, App State’s support of military-affiliated students has earned it national recognition from VIQTORY as a Military Friendly School. App State has been named a Military Friendly School with Gold distinction for 2022–23.

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App State Student-Athletes Extend GPA Streak to 10 Years
App State Student-Athletes Extend GPA Streak to 10 Years
App State Athletics
May 18, 2022

Reaching a full decade, App State student-athletes extended their impressive streak to 10 consecutive years with a cumulative GPA above 3.0 thanks to a strong showing during the 2022 spring. The Mountaineers ended the spring with a 3.16 semester GPA for all student-athletes, helping raise the cumulative GPA for all student-athletes to 3.23.

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2 App State degree programs among 17 recognized by U.S. Department of Energy
2 App State degree programs among 17 recognized by U.S. Department of Energy

Building sciences, technology programs earn new Zero Energy Design Designation

Nov. 22, 2022

2 App State degree programs in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment — an undergraduate building sciences program and the master’s program in technology — have earned the new Zero Energy Design Designation by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program celebrates a decade of transforming lives
App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program celebrates a decade of transforming lives

Program announces expansion to 4-year option

April 29, 2022

App State’s Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program (SDAP) — an inclusive college experience designed for students with intellectual disabilities — celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It will expand to a four-year program option in fall 2023.

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App State shares latest advancements toward climate neutrality
App State shares latest advancements toward climate neutrality

A year after the adoption of App State’s latest climate action plan, AppCap 1.0, multiple carbon mitigation strategies are underway

May 5, 2022

A year after releasing its latest climate action plan, App State is continuing to make progress toward its climate neutrality goals. Among the most notable achievements — a 16 percentage point increase in the university’s renewable energy purchases.

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App State announces new master’s degree in occupational therapy
App State announces new master’s degree in occupational therapy

Program to help address OT shortage in rural NC, welcomes first cohort in fall 2024

June 10, 2022

Beginning in fall 2024, Appalachian State University’s new Master of Science in occupational therapy program will help address a critical lack of occupational therapists in Western North Carolina.

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Appalachian Energy Summit reports $1.6 billion in avoided energy costs statewide
Appalachian Energy Summit reports $1.6 billion in avoided energy costs statewide

App State hosts decade of NC energy conferences to put ideas into action

July 21, 2022

The Appalachian Energy Summit marks its 10th year by continuing to lead the UNC System and state agencies toward a goal of $2 billion in avoided energy costs by 2025.

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App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme
App State celebrates Founders Day with ‘Year of the Woman’ theme

Statue of D.D. Dougherty dedicated at Founders Plaza

Sep. 30, 2022

App State celebrated its fifth annual Founders Day on Sept. 6 in honor of the first day of classes held at Watauga Academy in 1899. Events included a poster exhibition, panel discussion, statue dedication, ceremony and cemetery tour.

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App State marks best fundraising year in more than a decade, most cash gifts in university history
App State marks best fundraising year in more than a decade, most cash gifts in university history
Sep. 30, 2022

Appalachian State University has marked its best fundraising year in more than a decade. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, the university raised more than $36 million, including $31 million in cash gifts — the largest cash fundraising year in university history.

Read the story

What do you think?

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Become a Mountaineer
Become a Mountaineer

Want to join the Appalachian Community as an undergraduate or graduate student? Apply today.

Apply today
What’s in App State’s future?
What’s in App State’s future?

We’re enhancing the App State Experience — with a stronger physical infrastructure and five-year goals that further empower human potential. Get the full picture through a special website detailing our growth and change.

Learn more
From a new Mountaineer campus to a solar-powered championship: Reflections on an App State year of continued innovation
From a new Mountaineer campus to a solar-powered championship: Reflections on an App State year of continued innovation
Dec. 20, 2021

App State celebrates another year of Mountaineer innovation and progress, including several ‘firsts’ and many sustained successes under the leadership of Chancellor Sheri Everts.

Read the story

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

Become a Mountaineer
Become a Mountaineer

Want to join the Appalachian Community as an undergraduate or graduate student? Apply today.

Apply today
What’s in App State’s future?
What’s in App State’s future?

We’re enhancing the App State Experience — with a stronger physical infrastructure and five-year goals that further empower human potential. Get the full picture through a special website detailing our growth and change.

Learn more
From a new Mountaineer campus to a solar-powered championship: Reflections on an App State year of continued innovation
From a new Mountaineer campus to a solar-powered championship: Reflections on an App State year of continued innovation
Dec. 20, 2021

App State celebrates another year of Mountaineer innovation and progress, including several ‘firsts’ and many sustained successes under the leadership of Chancellor Sheri Everts.

Read the story

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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